Death of a Tsar: Romanov Execution

By all accounts, the Tsar was a good father. He sat with his children when they were ill and valued pictures they made for him.

Today the Grand Duchess Anastasia is probably the best known of the Romanov Family. She was an adorable child, and you can read more about her in this biography (with pictures).

Nicholas II was ill-prepared to be Tsar of all the Russias. Here are short biographies of Nicholas, his father, Tsar Alexander III, and his mother, Empress Maria Feodorovna.

Although Alexandra was one of Queen Victoria's favorites, the Empress did not have the same relationship with the Russian people. This biography, with pictures, will be useful for those wishing to know more about The Life and Tragedy of Alexandra Feodorovna.

Their Homes and Towns

Peterhof, also known as Petrodvoerts, is the stunning summer palace of Peter the Great. With a canal leading to the Gulf of Finland, fantastic fountains covered in gold and stunning scenery, the palace and grounds make visitors believe they are in a fairytale land.

One of the most beautiful cities in Europe, St. Petersburg has had several name changes: Petrograd, Leningrad, and now, once again, St. Petersburg. It is the home of wondrous buildings such as the Tsar's winter palace (now the Hermitage Museum). With at least 3,000,000 holdings in a thousand rooms, it is one of the greatest museums in the world.

The Alexander Palace, at Tsarskoe Selo, was home to the Tsar and his family for several years before their execution. This site provides background about the Alexander Palace

Want to know what life was like in Tsarskoe Selo in 1910? If so, this site is worth a visit.

Their Possessions

Russia is known for its priceless Faberge Easter Eggs made by Peter Karl Faberge. The first egg was a present for the Tsar. (The Faberge firm closed in 1918 as a result of the Russian Revolution.  These images provide more examples of Faberge's work: Easter Egg with a Battle Scene and Easter Egg with St. Alexei.

Follow these links to view a court gown worn by Alexandra and a uniform worn by Nicholas.

The Romanov's two youngest daughters, Maria and Anastasia, shared a bedroom at the Alexander Palace. Follow this link to view a picture of it.

In the Russian Orthodox Church, an Altar Book of Gospels is walked through the sanctuary so all the people can see it. Follow this link to a Romanov Treasure: an Altar Book of Gospels bound with precious metal and gems.

More on Rasputin

Because Rasputin was such an infamous character, it is easy to forget that he was also a father himself. His daughter, Maria, wrote about her father in Rasputin - The Man Behind the Myth. This link is an excerpt from Maria's book.